Savage Arms MSR10 Long Range 6.5 Creedmoor
We were initially skeptical about Savage Arms’ decision to start making AR-type rifles. There are already so many available that we hardly see the need for more. But, we quickly became a believer after testing both AR-15 and AR-10 styles and considering the performance they offered for the small price they command. It is our opinion that no AR offers more accuracy for less cash than Savage’s AR-15 pattern rifles.
We didn’t hold out much hope that Savage could pull off a similar upset with its large-frame, AR-pattern rifle, the MSR 10. The large ARs are far from new, and a lot of subtle improvements have made their way to just about everybody’s rifles, so it’s hard to stand out in the crowd. Not only does Savage stand out, they offer quantifiable performance enhancements beyond accuracy — and they do it for considerably less than the competition.
The MSR 10 makes use of forged receivers that have several
enhancements.
Reciprocating mass is one of the most overlooked aspects of any direct-impingement, AR-pattern rifle. Yet, it tells us the most about whether or not an AR is gassed correctly. Almost every large-frame AR out there is over-gassed and has more reciprocating mass than necessary. This translates to increased parts wear, premature parts breakage, and unnecessary recoil. The Savage MSR 10 Long Range has none of these issues.
Years ago, G&A’s Tom Beckstrand started measuring weights on bolt carrier groups in large-frame ARs as they cycled through these pages for testing. Most adhere to the standard weight laid down by Eugene Stoner of 19 ounces. High-end manufacturers have done thousands upon thousands of rounds in testing similar rifles and came to the conclusion that 19 ounces is way more weight
